Local artists and artisans are bringing out all of their fun goods to make it easy for us to buy holiday gifts again this year. I went to Dowdy Park Market last Saturday morning and was blown away at the variety of goods for sale: jewelry, pottery, photography, woodworks, baked goods, bath and body products, macrame, plants, trolls, clothing, textiles, paintings, shell art, candles, baskets, hot sauces, freeze-dried candy and so many more creative wonders. I got a great start on the gift shopping and had to run away fast so I wouldn’t start shopping for myself. Be forewarned: It takes some serious willpower to stick to the list at these events!
The best thing about shopping at these local markets is that the goods are right here where you can touch them – not some virtual idea of a product that’s actually sitting on a container ship right now. This is true of the goods at local markets and also, of course, of those in the local retail shops. They’re already here. These artists and retailers are depending on us to buy them, in the holiday season and all year round. It feels good to support the local makers and store owners and return the money you spend right back into the local economy.
Markets are popping up in abundance on the Outer Banks in November and December. Here are a few of them, and I’ll keep updating this list as I learn about more. Photo of Whalehead Christmas Craft Village courtesy of visitcurrituck.com.
First Flight Holiday Markets
Tuesday, December 7
Saturday, December 18
The Town of Kill Devil Hills is hosting four opportunities to shop local, starting this Saturday, November 20. Stop by Aviation Park, 103 Veterans Drive across from First Flight High School, to shop among more than 50 vendors and catch up with your local friends. The Saturday markets are held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the Tuesday markets are held from 4 to 7 p.m. Send your kids to the playground or skateboard ramp while you shop.
TRiO Holiday Market
Thursday, December 9
This annual event is always a great time. It's always the right mix of local vendors, and TRiO's wine, cheese and nibbles make it all the better. The vendors set up on the mezzanine from 5 to 8 p.m. A portion of the evening's proceeds benefits OBX Room in the Inn, a local nonprofit that helps those who are homeless.
Dowdy Park Holiday Markets
Saturday, December 11
As I mentioned above, these Town of Nags Head-sponsored markets are a great place to stock up on gifts and goodies for yourself or your home. More than 50 vendors show their goods. These off-season markets are great places to catch up with your neighbors and friends – since most of us locals are working during the summer markets. Let the kids play on the playground equipment while you shop. The Saturday markets are held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and the Thursday market is from 4 to 7 p.m. You’ll find it at MP 11 on the corner of Bonnet Street and Croatan Highway, across from the Outer Banks Family YMCA. Photo below courtesy Town of Nags Head.
Wacky Whimsical Winterland Market
Friday, December 10
Saturday, December 11
Friday, December 17
Saturday, December 18
Thursday, December 23
Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint on the Beach Road in Kill Devil Hills offers plentiful opportunities to shop at its Wacky Whimsical Winterland Markets. The markets are held in the backyard, which is transformed into a wacky winter atmosphere with holiday decor, music and refreshments. The Friday shows are from 4 to 8 p.m., and the Saturday shows are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The show on December 23 is from 4 to 8 p.m. Be sure to grab a beer to sip while you shop.
Merry Makers Market
Friday, December 10
The Village Table and Tavern in Duck holds Makers Markets all summer long, but this holiday market is the chance for all the north beach locals to catch up over drinks and shopping in this beautiful soundside outdoor venue. They light the firepits and offer s’mores, and you can sip while you shop. It’s held from 4 to 8 p.m., and you’d be crazy not to stay for dinner after you shop.
Jingle & Mingle
Saturday, December 11
Foxy Flamingo Boutique in Nags Head hosts local vendors and features sales and prizes. Stop by from 2 to 7 p.m.
Mama's Merry Market
Sunday, December 12
Mama Kwan's in Kill Devil Hills hosts local vendors from 1 to 5 p.m. Stick around for lunch, drinks and football after you shop.
Goombays' Sip, Save and Shop Holiday Market
Tuesday, December 14
This market has been going on for decades, and Goombays always fills up with locals coming out to support local artists. Stop by from 4 to 8 p.m. and enjoy complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.
Secotan Market
Saturday, December 18
Secotan Market in Wanchese is holding special holiday markets on Wednesday, November 24 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and on Saturdays, December 4 and 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. They'll have locally grown produce, ferments, meats, eggs, spices, baked goods and other food items as usual, and at each show they feature a handful of artisans so you can pick up holiday gifts as well. Although, consumables are great gifts in my mind. You’ll find Secotan Market on N.C. Highway 345 as you head down to Wanchese.
OBX Fitness Collective Winter Market
Saturday, December 18
OBX Fitness Collective opens its doors to host artists and shoppers one Saturday each holiday season. Check it out from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You’ll find the collective at 3810 Croatan Highway in Kitty Hawk, in the same shopping center as Capt. Frank’s Hot Dogs.
For all of your Outer Banks shopping opportunities, and I mean literally all, click here. For more events, explore our Daytime and Nightlife links.
Also, if you're planning to dine out for Thanksgiving instead of cook at home next week, several restaurants are offering that option, but you'll need to make reservations early (as in now). See the options for Thanksgiving dining in our Daytime listings.
About the Author Molly Harrison
Molly Harrison is managing editor at OneBoat, publisher of OuterBanksThisWeek.com. She moved to Nags Head in 1994 and since then has made her living writing articles and creating publications about the people, places and culture of the Outer Banks.
